Reports: RSL Owner David Blitzer Buys Stake In MLB’s Guardians
Jun 16, 2022, 1:20 PM | Updated: 1:26 pm
(L-R) Joshua Harris, David Blitzer and Harvey Spevak attend the Grand Reopening of Wollman Rink NYC in Central Park on November 14, 2021 in New York City. Wollman Rink NYC is operated by Wollman Park Partners. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Wollman Rink NYC)
(Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Wollman Rink NYC)
SALT LAKE CITY – Real Salt Lake majority owner David Blitzer purchased a minority stake in Major League Baseball’s Cleveland Guardians, according to multiple reports.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred confirmed the deal on Thursday, June 16, but didn’t mention Blitzer’s name. Manfred announced the transaction following owners meetings.
“We did approve a sale of a minority interest in the Guardians, pending the closing,” Manfred said via ESPN. “Really excited about the change there.”
Blitzer will reportedly have an initial ownership stake in the Cleveland ball club on 25-30 percent. Blitzer will reportedly have the “the right to increase his stake to a controlling interest in several years.” The rights to controlling interest will reportedly come in five or six years.
David Blitzer – key part of the Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment conglomerate that owns 76ers/Devils – gets MLB approval to buy minority share of Cleveland Guardians, w option for majority control within six years.
— Eric Fisher (@EricFisherSBG) June 16, 2022
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The Guardians are currently controlled by Paul Dolan, who reportedly had been looking for a minority owner in recent years.
Last season, Dolan mentioned having “meaningful discussions” with Blitzer about the franchise.
By purchasing part of the Guardians, Blitzer became the first individual to own a stake in each of North America’s top five sports leagues.
Blitzer brings a wide variety of experience in professional sports to the Guardians. He owns a majority of MLS’s Real Salt Lake and is a shareholder in the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers, NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, NHL’s New Jersey Devils, and multiple international soccer clubs. Blitzer and Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith purchased Real Salt Lake in January.
Blitzer is the first individual to have an equity stake in each of the 5 major sports leagues in America:
Pittsburgh Steelers
Philadelphia 76ers
New Jersey Devils
Real Salt Lake
Cleveland GuardiansBlitzer also owns stake 6 other soccer teams overseas.👀 @fox8news #Fortheland
— John Sabol (@John_Sabol) June 16, 2022
The Guardians currently own a 31-27 record. Cleveland owns two titles in club history, with the last coming in 1948.
AP sources confirm Guardians minority share going to private equity investor David Blitzer. Deal is for 25-30% with rights to take control in five or six years.
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) June 16, 2022
The franchise last played in the World Series in 2018. Cleveland rebranded following the 2021 season and is playing under the Guardians nickname for the first time this season.
